In India’s ever-evolving sedan market, few names hold as much weight as the Honda City. With a legacy that spans over two decades, the City has long been associated with refinement, performance, and elegance. However, Honda isn’t resting on past laurels. The brand has introduced a series of thoughtful upgrades and new premium features that elevate the sedan into a more sophisticated and tech-forward offering.
This article dives deep into how the latest version of the Honda City gets a premium makeover—inside and out. From advanced safety systems and modern connectivity features to refined design tweaks and luxurious cabin enhancements, the new City redefines what buyers can expect in the midsize sedan segment.
1. Introduction: The Evolution of a Legend
The Honda City has carved out a loyal fanbase with its balance of performance, space, and comfort. With the increasing competition from sedans and compact SUVs, Honda has taken a bold step forward by integrating more upmarket features, smarter technology, and a refreshed aesthetic, making the City not just relevant, but aspirational.
The new upgrades target both long-time loyalists and a new generation of customers looking for sophistication with substance.
2. Exterior Upgrades: Subtle Touches of Sophistication
The changes to the exterior are not radical but are impactful enough to distinguish the latest Honda City from its predecessor.
2.1 Chrome Accents & New Grille Design
One of the key visual enhancements is the revised front grille, which now features a sleeker design and bold chrome insert, enhancing the sedan’s premium look. This aligns with Honda’s global design philosophy while giving the City a more commanding presence on the road.
2.2 New Alloy Wheels and Color Options
A set of sporty 16-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels adds a touch of dynamism. They complement the car’s streamlined body and offer better road grip. Additionally, Honda has introduced new exterior shades like Obsidian Blue Pearl and Radiant Red Metallic, appealing to younger, style-conscious buyers.
2.3 LED Lighting Package
The full LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, LED fog lamps, and updated LED tail lamps now come as standard in higher trims. This not only improves visibility but adds a futuristic flair to the vehicle’s exterior.
3. Interior Refinement: More Than Just Looks
The cabin of the new Honda City is where the most noticeable transformation takes place. It offers a luxurious feel that rivals even higher-segment sedans.
3.1 Premium Upholstery and Soft-Touch Materials
The seats now come wrapped in dual-tone leatherette upholstery with refined stitching patterns, adding to the plushness of the cabin. Soft-touch panels on the dashboard and doors replace previous hard plastics, elevating the tactile feel throughout the cabin.
3.2 Ambient Lighting and Enhanced Cabin Layout
White ambient lighting in the footwells and door trims now adds a layer of sophistication. The center console has been slightly redesigned for better ergonomics and a cleaner layout. It also includes a revised gear lever design and a wireless charging pad with anti-slip protection.
3.3 Rear Seat Comfort Upgraded
Honda has improved the rear seat recline angle and padding. A retractable rear sunshade, rear A/C vents, and dual USB Type-C ports have been added, making long-distance travel more comfortable for passengers in the back.
4. Infotainment & Connectivity: A Digital Leap Forward
The new Honda City comes loaded with advanced infotainment features that reflect a shift toward smarter, connected driving experiences.
4.1 8-Inch Advanced Touchscreen System
The existing 7-inch infotainment system has been upgraded to an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen with a more intuitive user interface. It supports:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Voice Command Functionality
- Navigation with Live Traffic Updates
4.2 Premium Audio Experience
The top variants now feature a premium 8-speaker surround sound system by Honda Audio Labs, delivering rich sound quality and immersive audio—perfect for music lovers and audiophiles.
4.3 Honda Connect 2.0
The upgraded City comes integrated with Honda Connect 2.0, a connected car platform that allows users to remotely access vehicle data, start the engine, check location, geo-fence alerts, and monitor real-time driving behavior via smartphone.
5. Safety First: Upgraded Honda Sensing Suite
In today’s competitive market, advanced safety technology is a major differentiator—and Honda knows this. That’s why the new City comes equipped with a more expansive set of safety features.
5.1 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The inclusion of Honda Sensing, Honda’s proprietary suite of ADAS features, brings the City on par with premium sedans. The system includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Auto High-Beam Assist
These features work together to minimize driver error and enhance road safety during highway drives and in dense traffic situations.
5.2 Additional Safety Enhancements
- 6 airbags (standard on top trims)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist
- Emergency Stop Signal
Together, these systems make the Honda City one of the safest sedans in its class.
6. Powertrain and Performance: Reliable as Ever
While the core engine remains unchanged, Honda has fine-tuned certain components for better NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control and improved driveability.
6.1 1.5L i-VTEC Petrol Engine
The same 1.5-liter i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine continues to power the City, producing 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed manual or an efficient CVT gearbox. This setup is known for its smooth power delivery, linear acceleration, and refined driving experience.
6.2 Honda City Hybrid (e:HEV)
Honda also offers a strong hybrid variant with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired with two electric motors. The combined system output is 126 PS and 253 Nm torque. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 27.13 km/l, it stands out as one of the most efficient hybrids in India.
The e:HEV system offers EV-only drive, hybrid drive, and engine drive modes, intelligently switching between them based on driving conditions.
7. Mileage and Efficiency: Balanced for Indian Roads
- Petrol Manual – ~17.8 km/l
- Petrol CVT – ~18.4 km/l
- Hybrid e:HEV – ~27.13 km/l
These figures make the Honda City a great long-distance cruiser and an economical option for daily commutes.
8. Pricing & Trims: More Value Than Ever
With the premium updates, Honda has positioned the City smartly across multiple trims to suit different budgets and preferences.
| Variant | Transmission | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| V | Manual / CVT | ₹11.82 L – ₹12.82 L |
| VX | Manual / CVT | ₹13.00 L – ₹14.00 L |
| ZX | Manual / CVT | ₹14.50 L – ₹15.50 L |
| ZX e:HEV (Hybrid) | e-CVT | ₹19.04 L |
The e:HEV is priced higher but offers immense long-term value for those seeking fuel efficiency, performance, and greener credentials.
9. How It Stands Against Rivals
In a fiercely contested segment that includes the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus, the updated Honda City stands out for its premium feel, hybrid option, and Honda Sensing safety features.
- Hyundai Verna offers more performance variants, but City wins in hybrid tech and cabin comfort.
- Skoda Slavia and VW Virtus focus on driving dynamics, while City balances performance with efficiency and tech.
- Maruti Ciaz is more budget-friendly but lacks the premium upgrades and safety suite that City now offers.
10. Final Verdict: A True Executive Sedan Reborn
With the latest round of updates, Honda City becomes much more than just a reliable sedan—it becomes a compelling premium choice for discerning buyers who want more than just basic commuting.
From ADAS and connected car tech to cabin refinements and hybrid efficiency, the new Honda City is a holistic upgrade that feels tailor-made for today’s evolving lifestyle.
Key Highlights Recap:
- Refreshed styling with LED lighting and new alloys
- Luxurious cabin with leatherette upholstery and ambient lighting
- Advanced Honda Sensing suite for driver assistance
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Strong hybrid option with 27+ km/l mileage
11. Should You Buy It?
If you’re in the market for a premium sedan that combines legacy, innovation, and everyday usability, the new Honda City is hard to beat. It delivers where it matters—comfort, safety, fuel economy, and ownership pride.
Whether you’re a family buyer, a young executive, or a loyal Honda enthusiast, the upgraded City offers a well-rounded, premium driving experience that keeps it ahead of the curve in India’s competitive sedan market.